Can’t decide on a pet camera for your kitty? Not sure if you even need one in the first place? While owning a pet camera is a personal choice, many fur parents are now turning to this handy device for their peace of mind. And you can also achieve the same by having the right pet camera that suits your needs. So, to help you decide better, read on for my personal review of the best pet camera for cats.
But first, what exactly is a pet camera?
A pet camera is like a CCTV camera for your cat, but better. Apart from being able to monitor your fur baby wherever you are, you can interact with him through it. For instance, you can listen to him, talk to him, play with him, and even give him treats.
As a pet parent myself, I often worry about leaving my kitty alone when duty calls. And this has made my life a lot easier. Seriously, it’s amazing what technology can do nowadays!
What are the types of cat cameras?
There are two main types of cat cameras: monitor camera and collar camera. A monitor camera is just like the CCTV cameras you often see. It lets you monitor what your cat does inside a room where the camera is installed.
On the other hand, a collar camera is attached right to the collar of your kitty. It’s a fun way to monitor what your cat does from his eye view. You can get a glimpse of everything that he sees–exactly as he sees it.
You can also choose to mount it with a back view, but I think having a front view adds a layer of excitement to it. However, make sure the weight of the camera is proportionate to the size of your cat. Anything that’s uncomfortable can lead to injury.
Best pet cameras for cats you should consider
1. Best Overall Cat Camera
Out of all the cat monitoring systems I’ve tried, my kitty cat and I were most satisfied with the Pawbo Life Pet Camera. It has all the features I wanted for her: treat dispenser, laser pointer game, and two-way audio!
When I first tried this, it took a bit of getting used to. But it was totally understandable since it offers more features than your average cat camera. When I finally got the hang of it, I just couldn’t stop!
I love how it gives me the option to play with my cat by controlling the laser pointer, or just watch her chase after it by setting it on automatic mode. When it was time for treats, I just had to press the “treat” button and the device would drop a few kibbles.
As for the camera? Although it doesn’t have a night vision feature, it still works great for me. I like keeping the lights on anyway.
Thanks to this, I can more than keep an eye on here whenever I’m out for the day!
Pros:
- HD camera
- Two-way audio
- Dispenses treats
- Laser pointer game
- Can share snapped photos on social media instantly
Cons:
- Has no night vision
According to a customer: “I cannot say enough about Pawbo – it is amazing! I did a lot of research before purchasing this product and was nervous about getting it connected to my wifi, but I got the Pawbo connected with no problems in less than 5 minutes! My kitties and I love it. They come right up to the camera whenever they hear me log in to it when I am gone and wait for a treat or for me to turn on the laser! I love that it allows you to take pictures and I attached one to show the quality of the video! Customer Service is very receptive and helpful as well, you can tell that they really want to make their customers happy and have the best experience with their pets!”
Get a great deal on the Pawbo Life Pet Camera here.
2. Best Treat-Dispensing Cat Camera
Worried about your cat going hungry whenever you come home late from work? Then the WOpet Smart Camera is just what you need! This pet camera not only lets you watch your cat’s whiskers move (am I the only one?), but it allows you to dispense treats!
All I had to do was open the top cover to load some treats and then close it back. When it was time to toss a few kibbles, I just needed to press a button on the WOpet app. Sometimes, it would toss three kibbles; sometimes it would toss one.
I also love how the camera would create a sound as it tossed them. I can see her ears perk up and eyes light up whenever she hears it! With the WOpet Smart Camera, you no longer have to worry about coming home to one hungry cat!
Pros:
- HD camera
- Night vision
- Two-way audio
- Captures images/records video
- Dispenses treats
- Alexa compatible
Cons:
- Treat-dispensing feature won’t work unless your Wi-Fi has a 2.4GHz frequency
- Doesn’t store footage (but you can record it)
According to a customer: “ I love, love, LOVE this product! It delivered very quickly. Literally took less than 5 mins to set up. Just download the app, create an account, connect it to your WiFi, then you’re ready to see, hear, talk, and give your fur babies treats!”
Get a great deal on the WOpet Smart Camera here.
3. Best Laser Pointers Cat Camera
Minimize your cat’s boredom or loneliness (or both!) while you’re away with the Petcube Play 2 Camera! It comes with a laser pointer feature so you can play with your cat anytime. But I must confess, my cat has never seen a laser before trying this product. So, I didn’t know how she would react!
Setting up the device was pretty intuitive. It also weighed about 2 pounds, so I didn’t have to worry about my cat playing with it. And when I finally tried the laser pointer feature (with the tap of a button on the free Petcube app), it got my cat off her bum instantly! She was chasing it away, giving her the exercise she needed.
Just make sure the laser doesn’t point to a spot filled with things your cat will knock over!
Pros:
- HD camera
- Night vision
- Motion detector
- Two-way audio
- Laser pointer game
- Alexa compatible
Cons:
- Doesn’t dispense treats
According to a customer: “My wife always used to ask me to take pictures/videos of our cat when she’s not at home, so this was a perfect fit for us. I love it that we both have the app and can each look at and play with our cat when at work or traveling. I also love the “motion detection” which basically records a video when there’s any movement at home and sends you a notification, so I get tons of fun videos that I share with my family (and I also feel a bit safer)…”
Get a great deal on the Petcube Play 2 here.
4. Best Motion and Noise Sensor Cat Camera
Want added security in your house especially when you’re out and about? Then the Nooie Pet Camera is made exactly for you. Apart from the usual pet camera features, it has a 360-degree motion sensor and a noise sensor!
Trying this device was pretty cool. Every time it picked up on my cat’s sound or movement, it would focus right on my cat and send a notification to my phone. I would then have the option to watch what’s going on.
I also love how I could control where the camera pointed to with my phone. All I needed was to swipe my finger to the direction I wanted it to move, and it would do so. As for the video quality, especially when it tracks movement? Perfection!
Just make sure your cat doesn’t knock it over. (It’s pretty light!)
Pros:
- HD camera
- Night vision
- 360-degree motion detection
- Sound detection
- Two-way audio
- Micro SD card
Cons:
- Doesn’t dispense treats
- A bit too light (but can take a beating)
According to a customer: “This is my second purchase from nooie cam and this will not be my last. If you’re looking for a reliable camera that allows you the freedom to go wherever you need to with confidence, knowing you can safely monitor your pet or child anywhere in your home.
The camera can be positioned on a wall (hardware for this included) or a high shelf (not included) to be able to see an entire room at a variety of angles. The night view is also really great and easy to see. The awesome thing about these cameras are that they have playback options and abilities to share the view with someone else—I share mine with my husband. The camera picks up motion and sound with high quality and also allows you to speak through the camera. This is a must buy for anyone looking to monitor a room with a small child or pet. I love it!”
Get a great deal on the Nooie Pet Camera here.
5. Best Budget-Friendly Cat Camera
If you want a cat camera that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, then I highly recommend the Tooge Pet Camera! Although it doesn’t come with the extra reward and play features, it will give you peace of mind especially when your kitty is home alone.
It has a high video quality, two-way audio, night vision, and it notifies you everytime it picks up on a movement. And if you want to record video clips, you can purchase a TF card that can store up to 128 GB of video.
Who would have thought peace of mind can come at an affordable price?
Pros:
- HD camera
- Night vision
- Motion detection
- Two-way audio
- Affordable
Cons:
- Doesn’t dispense treats
- Doesn’t have a laser pointer
According to a customer: ”I wanted an inexpensive pet camera to watch the house pets when I’m at work. This little camera is great. The picture quality is clear, and precise. I like that you can zoom in, zoom out and pan across the room. I have this in my living room, but I’m able to move the camera from the phone app to my dining room, entry way and all of the living room. It also comes with a long cord, so you have more options of where to place it.
The motion detection is sensitive. It will actually pick up on headlights shining in through the tinted front door at night. It picks up sound, and the playback or listening of the sound is clear (unless your kids are fighting in the living room and it then becomes distorted).
I have had this camera for about a month now and have not had any issues. The app it comes with works fine and is simple to use.”
Get a great deal on the Tooge Pet Camera here.
So, should you get a pet camera?
Again, having a pet camera is always a personal choice. But if you constantly worry about leaving your pet on his own when you need to go to work or run some errands, you will definitely benefit from it.
In addition, a pet camera can help you:
- Know what your cat is up to when he is alone
- Keep your cat from getting bored
- Feed your cat when you’re away
- Talk to your cat so he feels safe
- Catch early signs of an illness
What to look for in the ultimate pet camera
Video Quality
Your ultimate purpose for getting a pet camera is to monitor your cat in real time. So, make sure the quality of the video is clear enough to let you spot him easily and his activities. Try not to get anything that is below 720p HD.
Night Vision
If the area you want to monitor doesn’t have good lighting, or you tend to forget to keep the lights on, then get a pet camera with a night vision feature.
Two-Way Audio
Hearing your cat is just as important as seeing him. And so is your cat hearing your voice! If you want to communicate with him even when you’re away, make sure your pet camera has a two-way audio feature.
Motion Detector
Cats can be lazy most times, but they sure love to move around! To help you spot your kitty easily (especially when he’s somewhere he shouldn’t be!), then a motion detector feature will make life so much easier for you.
It will be your eyes, notifying you of your cat’s whereabouts every single time.
Companion App
Your pet camera must have a companion app that you can download on your phone. This lets you check in on him, whenever and wherever you are. Just make sure you have an internet connection.
Choosing a pet camera can be difficult, especially when it’s your first time. But this ultimate list of cat monitoring systems should help you choose the best cat cam for your peace of mind. Just figure out what feature you and your kitty need most, and then work your way from there.
FAQs
What is a pet camera?
A pet camera is like a CCTV camera for your cat, but better. Apart from being able to monitor your fur baby wherever you are, you can listen to him, talk to him, play with him, and even give him treats.
Do I need a pet camera?
Having a pet camera helps keep your pet safe especially when you’re away. If you’re constantly worried about leaving your pet alone, then perhaps you need one.
Which is the best pet camera for cost?
The best pet camera for cost is the Pawbo Life Pet Camera. Not only does it let you monitor your cat in real time, but it also comes with a laser pointer feature and a treat-dispensing feature! Now, you can play with him and feed him even when you’re not at home.
Is a pet camera worth it?
Having a pet camera is definitely worth it. It doesn’t just let you watch what your cat does. It also allows you to communicate with him, play with him, reward him, and even catch any early signs of illness. Anything that keeps your pet safe is always worth it.
What are the best pet cameras for cats?
The best pet cameras for cats are:
- Overall Cat Camera: Pawbo Life Pet Camera
- Treat-Dispensing Cat Camera: WOpet Smart Camera
- Laser Pointers Cat Camera: Petcube Play 2 Camera
- Motion and Noise Sensor Cat Camera: Nooie Pet Camera
- Budget-Friendly Cat Camera: Tooge Pet Camera
What should I look for in a pet camera?
- Video Quality
- Night Vision
- Two-Way Audio
- Companion App
- Motion Detector
